Posted on: Thursday, May 22, 2003

EDITORIAL
Ocean safety program a good fit for Islands

Windward Community College recently launched a new two-year degree program in ocean safety and recreation degree program. We applaud the effort but wonder why it didn't happen sooner.

Hawai'i should be on the cutting edge of such a discipline. After all, we're surrounded by more than 150 million square miles of ocean. And our community colleges are perfectly suited to offer such a course.

The two-year program is a truly professional operation, designed to train people in all aspects of marine safety and recreation. It's far more than lifeguard training, although that core skill is obviously part of it.

If this program sets down roots, Hawai'i may become known, nationally and perhaps even internationally, as the premier place to learn and be certified in top-end ocean and marine safety.